4. Luke Falk will struggle against first real test of 2017
So far in 2017, Luke Falk has been an all-world quarterback. Outside of a tough game against Boise State in which he was benched, returned to the game and then injured, Falk has been nothing short of fantastic for the Cougars, which is no surprise.
However, USC will be the first true test of the season for the senior gunslinger. That may not seem like a huge deal since he’s faced, and succeeded against, top-tier opponents before, but this is the first time he’s played against USC since he was a freshman. He did throw for over 300 yards in that game, but this team is much different.
Granted, Falk is a much different player as well, but the Trojans are ready to eat the kid for dinner. He’s thrown 14 touchdowns and one interception this season, but you can expect the turnover number to increase after this one. The USC front will put pressure on him and make him uncomfortable in the pocket.
In the only other tough game the Cougars have had (Boise State), Falk looked pedestrian before the injury. Expect the Trojans to make him look human yet again.